Final answer:
The stages of cervical effacement and dilation during labor include Stage one (cervix thinning and dilation to 10 cm), Stage two (the baby's birth), and Stage three (delivery of the placenta).
Step-by-step explanation:
The stages of cervical effacement and dilation during pregnancy/labor are critical for delivery. Stage one involves the thinning of the cervix and its dilation to about 10 centimeters. This allows for the baby and the placenta to pass through during birth. Stage two is where the actual birth of the baby occurs; here, the uterus contracts and the mother pushes, using her abdominal muscles to help. Stage three encompasses the delivery of the placenta, which occurs after the baby is born and once the placenta has disengaged from the uterine wall. If there are issues progressing to stage two, synthetic oxytocin, or Pitocin, may be administered to stimulate and maintain labor.